The Netherlands’ Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, in agreement with the country’s Ministry of Defence has established a temporary restricted area in Meppel-Zwolle for medical drone deliveries.
Dutch company ANWB will have one year to use the area, operating medical delivery drones between hospitals in Meppel and Zwolle, a distance of around 25km. As well as providing operational services, the beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights will also test detection and deconfliction capabilities, with the ultimate goal of rolling out medical delivery by drone services nationwide.
During the one-year period, which begins on September 1, the temporary restricted area will be active every Monday through Thursday from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM local time. a. Civil aircraft are prohibited in the area, including remotely piloted aircraft, model aircraft, balloons, etc. Exceptions include aircraft operated by the National Police, National Expertise and Operations Unit, and Aviation Department; aircraft used for search and rescue operations; emergency helicopters; and fire department flights.
“Previous test flights have been successfully conducted in a controlled environment. It is now necessary to test the flights in an environment that reflects real-world conditions,” a Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management statement said. “If the test is successful, restrictions for other air traffic can be minimised in later test phases, with the ultimate goal of integration without restrictions.”
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Image: ANWB
